This year in French IV Honors, you will continue to improve and build your language skills while learning about the cultures of French‐speaking countries. This class is conducted primarily in French and you are expected to speak in French.
You will learn about Francophone music; the French Revolution; writer and politician Victor Hugo; World War II in France; Charles de Gaulle; cultural diversity in modern‐day France; French territories and overseas departments; and French‐speaking Africa. Our communicative goals this year will be learned in the context of the following topics:
We will also read poems, short stories and short books written in French. We will listen to French music,
watch French TV commercials and excerpts from news programs. You will watch French movies at home
and report on them. You will do oral presentations for the class as well.
By the end of French IV*, you will have learned all major French grammar concepts. You will be prepared
for Advanced Placement French, at the end of which you may earn college credit based on your grade on
the College Board’s AP French Language and Culture test.
Supplies -- one-inch binder dedicated to this class -- 7 subject separators for binder -- loose leaf paper -- flash drive (may be used for multiple classes) -- pens & pencils -- one box of Kleenex (receive 1 extra hall pass for keeping our noses wiped!) -- French / English dictionary (recommended, not required) -- set of inexpensive headphones (recommended, not required)
Textbook Most of your class resources will be in the form of notes, handouts and online resources, therefore, students will not be assigned their own copies of the textbook unless they would like one. We keep a classroom set of books as well. At home, I recommend using the Online Textbook for reference:
Go to activate.classzone.com and enter the Activation Code: 3665590-30 Product Name: Discovering French, Nouveau! Level 3 - eEdition
Class Wiki
The primary resource for both students and parents will be our French II Class Wiki at https://khsfrenchkalfus.wikispaces.com/
This is where you can find all documents, assignments and extra help for French II. This is also a collaborative site where students will show their work and participate in online discussions. Bookmark this page!
If you have a question about class, this is the place to go!
Grading, Homework, Quizzes & Tests Do I have to do the homework?
Yes. It is the practice before the game: it's better to have swung your bat a few times before you play in your first tournament. It's the dress rehearsal before the play: better to have memorized your lines and tried on the costumes before going on stage for opening night. I intentionally give you assignments that look a lot like what the test will look like. For example, if you will be tested on writing, you will practice writing. If you will be tested on reading, you will practice reading. It is my job to tell you how you are doing and to show you how to improve BEFORE the test. I will give you feedback on your progress BEFORE you get to the test. Don't wait until the day of the test to find out if you are ready for it.
Why don't I get points for homework?
Homework is for practice and to find out if you understand what you are learning in class. In this class, you will try out new concepts without being penalized if you don't understand the material the first time around.
Receiving points for homework completion can inflate your grade without showing whether you understand the material. The grade has no meaning.
Receiving points for homework accuracy may be satisfying for those who "get it" right away, but it penalizes students for errors they make on their first attempt and also stunts creativity and willingness to try.
The BEST language learners are those who are uninhibited and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. When you make mistakes, I will correct you. Therefore, the more you try (mistakes and all), the faster you will learn! If you do well on the homework, you will not have to study as much just before the test. If you do poorly on the homework, I will help you until you understand. If you do NOT do the homework, you will not learn as quickly or as accurately. You will fall behind and it is unlikely that you will get caught up. In fact, you may not learn at all, and you will jeopardize your grade. If your grade is not better than a C at the end of the year, you may not advance to the next level of French. Homework counts.
What if I don't do my homework?
If you do not come to class with your assignment completed, I will assume that it is because you do not understand the material and you need help. You will be assigned a mandatory contact for that day (sports and clubs and rides home are not an excuse because Contact period is built into the school day). At Contact, must come see me to prove that you understand that concept for the day. If you do not attend your assigned Contact, I will call your parents the first time, then issue detentions if it happens again.
What if I'm out sick or on a field trip?
It is still YOUR responsibility to check our Wiki page for daily assignments. All the documents you need will also be downloadable from that site.
How do I learn to speak French?
Learning a language is a skill that requires practice, memorization, repetition, and self-discipline. It's like learning to play an instrument, practicing for a sport, or rehearsing for a play. You must practice every day.
In addition, learning another language is cumulative. This means that everything you learn in a particular lesson assumes that you understood ALL the previous lessons. ALL of them from ALL the classes before. So, if you don't understand something, get help now, otherwise you will forever have difficulties down the road.
If you feel yourself getting behind or feeling lost, it's time to go see Madame.
Using Google translator or other online translator (Academic Honesty)
I encourage you to use resources and technology available to you. HOWEVER, DO NOT USE ONLINE TRANSLATORS. If you do, you show me that
--you don't believe you are capable of writing in French (or you are lazy?) --you have learned nothing
Why do you allow test retakes?
I expect you to show what you know on a test, and I sincerely hope you know everything I taught you the first time around! However, from time to time, there are real reasons why you do not succeed the first time. I am willing to give you an extra chance. Why? Because I want you to learn. If I tell you it's too late, then you may never learn a concept that is essential to your understanding of French as a whole. It is not cheating, because the test you will take will be a different version. Don't forget, though, that you must hold up your end of the bargain. You may retake a test, but only if: 1. You have completed all of the assignments leading up to the test. 2. You have come to get one-on-one help with Madame Kalfus outside of class. 3. You can describe in detail what you have done to study for the retake. 4. You take the test within ONE WEEK of the initial test. Easy teacher? Hard teacher? Just your teacher.
Don't be misled to think that since homework doesn't count for points that Madame Kalfus is an easy grader. On the contrary, I hold high standards for you for your learning. For every test, I give you a rubric that explains what you need to do to succeed. The only grade you receive in this class comes from what you have truly learned and can prove to me you have learned: your performance on a Summative Assessment (a test, quiz or project). Every other grade or correction from me to you is a Formative Assessment(homework, in-class work or participation in class).
Think of it this way: Formative Assessment: You are "forming" your knowledge. Summative Assessment: You are "summing up" your knowledge and can show what you know. Why do you use Standards-Based Grading? (also known as the Rubric System)
The grades you receive describe what you can do in all aspects of the language. Your test results tell you HOW WELL you can speak, write, and understand written and spoken French for specific learning goals.
Your achievement along the way also helps me know how to plan or change lessons to benefit all my students.
The rubric DESCRIBES your ability for each communication skill at the moment you took the test.
Grade
What does that mean?
Can you tell me more?
4 = 100% or A+ 3.5 = 91% or A-
Exceeds Expectations You're soaring! Above and beyond!
You've proven you understand the new concepts and can apply them correctly in a meaningful way with what you have already learned. (There is evidence of in-depth inferences and application that implements a sophisticate level of language that goes beyond what was explicitly taught in the unit.)
3= 86% or B
Meets Expectations You made it!
You've proven you understand the new concepts and can use them with few errors. (In addition to basic knowledge and understanding of the material the student also shows evidence of the application of more complex ideas and concepts from the unit.)
2.5 = 81% or B- = 76 % or C
Approaching Expectations
You're on your way! Keep climbing!
You've proven you understand the basics of the new concepts but you are still making major errors. (Student exhibits basic knowledge and understanding of the material. However, the student shows major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and application.)
1.5 = 71% or C- 1 = 66% or D
Struggling to Meet Expectations You're a base camp. There's quite a climb ahead of you, but you can do it.
You may recognize the new concepts but cannot use them. (With help, student exhibits a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes and possibly some of the more complex ideas.)
Below1 = 0% or F
Not Meeting Expectations We need to talk . . .
You neither recognize nor can you use the new concepts. (The student has shown little measurable progress toward meeting any expectations.)
Organisez vos classeurs (binders) comme ça:
1. Renseignements pour la classe
2. Vocabulaire
3. Grammaire
4. Lecture & Culture
5. à l'Ecrit
6. à l'Orale & à l'Ecoute
7. Pratique et Evaluation
French IVwith Madame Kalfus 2011-2012
213-6100, x1256 anna.kalfus@kirkwoodschools http://khsfrenchiv.wikispaces.com/
Kalfus schedule 2011-2012 Room: NW 139
1st Off campus
2nd Plan
3rd French II
4th French IV Honors
5th French II
6th French IV Honors
7th French II
This year in French IV Honors, you will continue to improve and build your language skills while learning about the cultures of French‐speaking countries. This class is conducted primarily in French and you are expected to speak in French.
You will learn about Francophone music; the French Revolution; writer and politician Victor Hugo; World War II in France; Charles de Gaulle; cultural diversity in modern‐day France; French territories and overseas departments; and French‐speaking Africa. Our communicative goals this year will be learned in the context of the following topics:
We will also read poems, short stories and short books written in French. We will listen to French music,
watch French TV commercials and excerpts from news programs. You will watch French movies at home
and report on them. You will do oral presentations for the class as well.
By the end of French IV*, you will have learned all major French grammar concepts. You will be prepared
for Advanced Placement French, at the end of which you may earn college credit based on your grade on
the College Board’s AP French Language and Culture test.
Supplies
-- one-inch binder dedicated to this class
-- 7 subject separators for binder
-- loose leaf paper
-- flash drive (may be used for multiple classes)
-- pens & pencils
-- one box of Kleenex (receive 1 extra hall pass for keeping our noses wiped!)
-- French / English dictionary (recommended, not required)
-- set of inexpensive headphones (recommended, not required)
Textbook
Most of your class resources will be in the form of notes, handouts and online resources, therefore, students will not be assigned their own copies of the textbook unless they would like one. We keep a classroom set of books as well. At home, I recommend using the Online Textbook for reference:
Go to activate.classzone.com and enter the Activation Code: 3665590-30
Product Name: Discovering French, Nouveau! Level 3 - eEdition
Class Wiki
The primary resource for both students and parents will be our French II Class Wiki at https://khsfrenchkalfus.wikispaces.com/
This is where you can find all documents, assignments and extra help for French II. This is also a collaborative site where students will show their work and participate in online discussions. Bookmark this page!
If you have a question about class, this is the place to go!
Grading, Homework, Quizzes & Tests
Do I have to do the homework?
Yes. It is the practice before the game: it's better to have swung your bat a few times before you play in your first tournament. It's the dress rehearsal before the play: better to have memorized your lines and tried on the costumes before going on stage for opening night. I intentionally give you assignments that look a lot like what the test will look like. For example, if you will be tested on writing, you will practice writing. If you will be tested on reading, you will practice reading. It is my job to tell you how you are doing and to show you how to improve BEFORE the test. I will give you feedback on your progress BEFORE you get to the test.
Don't wait until the day of the test to find out if you are ready for it.
Why don't I get points for homework?
Homework is for practice and to find out if you understand what you are learning in class. In this class, you will try out new concepts without being penalized if you don't understand the material the first time around.
Receiving points for homework completion can inflate your grade without showing whether you understand the material. The grade has no meaning.
Receiving points for homework accuracy may be satisfying for those who "get it" right away, but it penalizes students for errors they make on their first attempt and also stunts creativity and willingness to try.
The BEST language learners are those who are uninhibited and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. When you make mistakes, I will correct you. Therefore, the more you try (mistakes and all), the faster you will learn!
If you do well on the homework, you will not have to study as much just before the test.
If you do poorly on the homework, I will help you until you understand.
If you do NOT do the homework, you will not learn as quickly or as accurately. You will fall behind and it is unlikely that you will get caught up. In fact, you may not learn at all, and you will jeopardize your grade. If your grade is not better than a C at the end of the year, you may not advance to the next level of French.
Homework counts.
What if I don't do my homework?
If you do not come to class with your assignment completed, I will assume that it is because you do not understand the material and you need help. You will be assigned a mandatory contact for that day (sports and clubs and rides home are not an excuse because Contact period is built into the school day). At Contact, must come see me to prove that you understand that concept for the day. If you do not attend your assigned Contact, I will call your parents the first time, then issue detentions if it happens again.
What if I'm out sick or on a field trip?
It is still YOUR responsibility to check our Wiki page for daily assignments. All the documents you need will also be downloadable from that site.
How do I learn to speak French?
Learning a language is a skill that requires practice, memorization, repetition, and self-discipline. It's like learning to play an instrument, practicing for a sport, or rehearsing for a play. You must practice every day.
In addition, learning another language is cumulative. This means that everything you learn in a particular lesson assumes that you understood ALL the previous lessons. ALL of them from ALL the classes before. So, if you don't understand something, get help now, otherwise you will forever have difficulties down the road.
If you feel yourself getting behind or feeling lost, it's time to go see Madame.
Using Google translator or other online translator (Academic Honesty)
I encourage you to use resources and technology available to you. HOWEVER, DO NOT USE ONLINE TRANSLATORS. If you do, you show me that
--you don't believe you are capable of writing in French (or you are lazy?)
--you have learned nothing
Why do you allow test retakes?
I expect you to show what you know on a test, and I sincerely hope you know everything I taught you the first time around! However, from time to time, there are real reasons why you do not succeed the first time. I am willing to give you an extra chance. Why? Because I want you to learn. If I tell you it's too late, then you may never learn a concept that is essential to your understanding of French as a whole. It is not cheating, because the test you will take will be a different version. Don't forget, though, that you must hold up your end of the bargain. You may retake a test, but only if:
1. You have completed all of the assignments leading up to the test.
2. You have come to get one-on-one help with Madame Kalfus outside of class.
3. You can describe in detail what you have done to study for the retake.
4. You take the test within ONE WEEK of the initial test.
Easy teacher? Hard teacher? Just your teacher.
Don't be misled to think that since homework doesn't count for points that Madame Kalfus is an easy grader. On the contrary, I hold high standards for you for your learning. For every test, I give you a rubric that explains what you need to do to succeed. The only grade you receive in this class comes from what you have truly learned and can prove to me you have learned: your performance on a Summative Assessment (a test, quiz or project). Every other grade or correction from me to you is a Formative Assessment (homework, in-class work or participation in class).
Think of it this way:
Formative Assessment: You are "forming" your knowledge.
Summative Assessment: You are "summing up" your knowledge and can show what you know.
Why do you use Standards-Based Grading? (also known as the Rubric System)
The grades you receive describe what you can do in all aspects of the language. Your test results tell you HOW WELL you can speak, write, and understand written and spoken French for specific learning goals.
Your achievement along the way also helps me know how to plan or change lessons to benefit all my students.
The rubric DESCRIBES your ability for each communication skill at the moment you took the test.
3.5 = 91% or A-
You're soaring! Above and beyond!
(There is evidence of in-depth inferences and application that implements a sophisticate level of language that goes beyond what was explicitly taught in the unit.)
3= 86% or B
You made it!
You've proven you understand the new concepts and can use them with few errors.
(In addition to basic knowledge and understanding of the material the student also shows evidence of the application of more complex ideas and concepts from the unit.)
2.5 = 81% or B-
= 76 % or C
You're on your way! Keep climbing!
You've proven you understand the basics of the new concepts but you are still making major errors.
(Student exhibits basic knowledge and understanding of the material. However, the student shows major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and application.)
1.5 = 71% or C-
1 = 66% or D
You're a base camp. There's quite a climb ahead of you, but you can do it.
(With help, student exhibits a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes and possibly some of the more complex ideas.)
Below1 = 0% or F
We need to talk . . .
Organisez vos classeurs (binders) comme ça:
1. Renseignements pour la classe
2. Vocabulaire
3. Grammaire
4. Lecture & Culture
5. à l'Ecrit
6. à l'Orale & à l'Ecoute
7. Pratique et Evaluation